Three Teens Charged for Attacking Youth Corrections Officer

Two of the suspects are facing murder charges in other cases, according to court records.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:26pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs or a security camera lens, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The violent attack on a corrections officer at a juvenile detention center exposes the ongoing challenges in rehabilitating young offenders.Albuquerque Today

Three juveniles, Adrian Brown, Justice Sanchez, and Ezekiel Ulibarri, have been charged with aggravated battery upon a peace officer after allegedly attacking a corrections officer at the Youth Development and Diagnostic Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

Why it matters

The attack on the corrections officer raises concerns about violence and safety within the juvenile justice system, especially given that two of the suspects are already facing murder charges in separate cases.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the three teens left the break room and entered Ulibarri's room, where the officer opened the door and was immediately attacked. Sanchez allegedly threw the first punch, and Brown and Ulibarri joined in, punching the officer while he was on the ground. Another officer arrived shortly after and separated the men.

  • The incident occurred around 4:27 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Brown has a pretrial conference scheduled for July, while Ulibarri has one scheduled for November.

The players

Adrian Brown

An 18-year-old from Albuquerque who is accused of gunning down an unhoused man near an Albuquerque arroyo almost a year ago.

Justice Sanchez

An 18-year-old from Farmington who is also facing murder charges in another case.

Ezekiel Ulibarri

An 18-year-old from Albuquerque who is accused of being an accomplice in the 2025 fatal shooting of 17-year-old Angelo Tafoya during a robbery.

The Corrections Officer

A Youth Development and Diagnostic Center corrections officer who sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the attack.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on bail for the three suspects in their upcoming pretrial conferences.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the juvenile justice system, where some young offenders continue to engage in violent behavior even while incarcerated, raising concerns about rehabilitation and public safety.